Welsh rallying successfully returns to the forests, with Matt Edwards scoring a sensational victory on the 2021 Nicky Grist Stages

Matt Edwards and Darren Garrod took their Yuasa Rally Team Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 to a hard fought victory on the 2021 Nicky Grist Stages, and in doing so take the lead of the British Rally Championship.

They were fourth after the opening stage, and overcame a morning misfire and brake bias issues to finish five seconds ahead of Tom Cave/Dale Furness (Ford Fiesta Rally2) after two loops through Llyn Login, Monument, Halfway and Crychan forests and all 44 stage miles had been completed.

Osian Pryce/Noel O’Sullivan (Volkswagen Polo GTI R5) finished just a further seven seconds behind in third, as the top three pulled away from the rest of the field.

Indeed, Edwards, Cave and Pryce each led the event at some stage, and were separated by only a second or two on most of the stages – with Edwards and Pryce tied for the lead after SS2, and Cave and Edwards tied for the lead after SS3.

Nicky Grist Stages Rally

Round 2 of the BRC saw the crews return to gravel and a more familiar feel of a multi venue stage rally. Matt Edwards & Darren Garrod (Polo R5) took victory and moved in to the BRC lead, as a result. Tom Cave & Dale Furniss (Fiesta Rally 2) missed the opening round but took 2nd place, just 5s behind Edwards with Osian Pryce & Noel O’Sullivan (Polo R5) completing an all Welsh (drivers only) podium. Rhys Yates & James Morgan were 4th overall whilst BRC returnee, after a number of years away, Matthew Wilson & Stuart Loudon completing the top 5, both in Fiesta Rally 2’s.

Black takes maiden rally win to bag Welsh title

Brackley rally driver Callum Black stormed to his first ever overall rally victory at last weekend’s Winner Garage Skoda Wyedean Stages Rally (11th November) and in the process, became the 2017 Pirelli MSA Welsh Rally Champion.

After taking three maximum points scores in the last three rounds, Black would head to the event with one eye on the title after securing a finish on the biggest rally in the UK just a few weeks previously, the FIA World Rally Championship qualifier, Dayinsure Wales Rally. Driving his usual 586 Group backed Ford Fiesta R5, Black; along with co-driver Elliott Edmondson took five stage wins to ensure their year ended in the best possible way.

Black bids to secure Welsh title at Wyedean Stages

Brackley rally driver Callum Black has placed a last minute entry to next weekend’s Winner Garage Skoda Wyedean Stages Rally, in a bid to secure the 2017 MSA Welsh Rally Championship at the final round.

Fresh from his debut in the FIA World Rally Championship at the Dayinsure Wales Rally GB last weekend where he secured a top 30 position, Black and co-driver Elliott Edmondson will head to the Forest of Dean in their 586 Group Ford Fiesta R5 to try and clinch the title as the series draws to a close.

Black secures Wales Rally GB finish on WRC debut

Brackley’s Callum Black overcame one of the toughest events in the World Rally Championship to finish last weekend’s Dayinsure Wales Rally GB. Black, in his first ever WRC event, guided his 586 Group backed Ford Fiesta R5 to 30th overall and 18th in RC2.

Fresh from a giant-killing season in the BTRDA Rally Series where he finished runner-up in the championship, the 26-year-old headed to Britain’s round of the FIA World Rally Championship where he would make his inaugural outing on the world stage.

Black set for the world stage at Wales Rally GB

Front-running British rally driver Callum Black will realise his childhood dream by contesting the penultimate round of the FIA World Rally Championship, Wales Rally GB.

Brackley rally driver Callum Black will make his inaugural appearance in the World Rally Championship this month (26-29 October) as he takes on the biggest challenge of his career to date, the Dayinsure Wales Rally GB. Black will use his 586 Group run Ford Fiesta R5 which he took to a runner-up position in the BTRDA Rally Series this season.

Bird bags Woodpecker Stages win

Ford Focus WRC pilot Paul Bird ensured his return to the sport was a successful one by taking victory at the EVENTSIGNS Woodpecker Stages Rally (2nd September) in Ludlow with co-driver Jamie Edwards alongside.

BTRDA Rally Series leader Callum Black targets Nicky Grist Stages wins – before staying on Epynt for Tarmac practice!

Ravenol BTRDA Rally Series leader Callum Black is aiming for victory on the Nicky Grist Stages – and after contesting the all-gravel qualifying round on Saturday 8 July, the 586 Sports-prepared Ford Fiesta R5+ driver will remain in mid-Wales for the following day’s Spencer Sport Acropolis Rally (Sunday 9 July); giving him invaluable Tarmac rally practice and a chance of more points over the MAXXIS MSA English Rally Championship ‘double-header’ weekend event.

Somerset Stages success for Petch

Durham rally driver Stephen Petch took a well-deserved victory at the Minehead based Somerset Stages Rally on Saturday (8th April) but had to fight hard on all 14 stages to bring his Ford Fiesta WRC home in top spot.